Friday, October 29, 2010

by John Jalsevac and Kathleen Gilbert

San Diego, October 27, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – As Americans approach the eve of election week, Cardinal-designate Raymond Burke has said in a new interview that they must recognize their solemn obligation to defend their unborn brothers and sisters when approaching the voting booth.

“

You can never vote for someone who favors absolutely the right to choice of a woman to destroy a human life in her womb or the right to a procured abortion,” the archbishop told Thomas McKenna, President of Catholic Action for Faith and Family, in an interview released this week.

McKenna interviewed Cardinal-designate Burke in Rome on Oct. 20 literally hours after it was announced he would be elevated to cardinal.

(Click here to send a note of congratulations to the archbishop)The archbishop told McKenna that, “As a bishop it’s my obligation in fact, to urge the faithful to carry out their civic duty in accord with their Catholic faith.” Catholics, he said, have “a very serious moral obligation in voting to vote for those candidates who would uphold the truth of the moral law, which of course also serves the greatest good of everyone in society.”

In recent years Cardinal-designate Burke, who is prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the Church’s “supreme court,” has taught repeatedly that Catholic politicians who support abortion rights may not receive Holy Communion and that Catholics who know of the politicians’ voting record on these issues cannot vote for them and retain “a clear conscience.”

In the recent interview, the archbishop explained that such politicians create “scandal,” which he defined as “doing something or omitting to do something that leads other people into confusion or error about the moral good.”

“Here's the perfect example of Catholics who betray their Catholic faith in political life, as legislators, as judges, or whatever it may be, leading other people to believe that abortion must not be the great evil that it is, or that abortion is in fact a good thing in certain circumstances.”

To those who would vote for pro-abortion politicians because they agree with those politicians on other issues, the archbishop said he would say, "Do you follow the golden rule that was taught to us by the Lord himself in the Gospels?"

“In other words,” he explained, “do you do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. Do you really consider it fair to advance some interest you have, which may be a good interest - whether it’s the environment, or whatever it might be - at the cost of denying to other members of society, especially those who depend upon us completely for life itself, to deny them the right to life?

“I think that if most people would reflect in this way, simply in terms of the golden rule, they would realize that no, it can never be right.”

The archbishop also pointed out that while some criticize the Church for upholding traditional marriage as a form of "discrimination" against homosexuals, such critics fail to recognize that, “The Catholic Church, in teaching that sexual acts between persons of the same sex are intrinsically evil - are against nature itself - is simply announcing the truth, helping people to discriminate right from wrong in terms of their own activities.”

While racial and other types of discrimination may be unjust, he said, "There is a discrimination which is perfectly just and good, and namely that's the discrimination between what is right and what is wrong."

In a press release announcing the interview, McKenna commented, “Millions of Catholics have no idea it’s a sin to vote for candidates who favor these grave evils, which attack the very foundations of society." In his interview, said McKenna, "[Cardinal-designate Burke] makes it very clear what the responsibility of every American Catholic will be next Tuesday."

The videotaped interview is available in two five-minute videos on YouTube, and a 25-minute Q&A video interview that is available for broadcast at CatholicAction.org.

by Matthew Cullinan Hoffman, Latin America Correspondent

VATICAN CITY, October 28, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI is telling Brazil's Catholic bishops to speak out against ideologies that justify abortion, only days before a hotly contested presidential election in which the frontrunner has been accused of supporting the decriminalization of abortion.

In a speech delivered to a group of Brazilian prelates present in Rome for a regularly-scheduled visit, Benedict stated that "in defending life we should not fear opposition and unpopularity, refusing any compromise and ambiguity that conforms us to the mentality of this world."

Calling abortion "an intrinsically evil act" that is "morally unacceptable and incompatible with the dignity of people," the pope added that "when political projects contemplate, openly or in veiled fashion, the decriminalization of abortion or euthanasia, the democratic ideal -- which is only truly such when it recognizes and safeguards the dignity of every human person -- is betrayed at its foundation."

"Any defense of political, economic, and social human rights that does not include the energetic defense of the right to life from conception to natural death is totally false and illusory," the pope also said, adding that "regarding efforts on behalf of the weakest and the most defenseless, who is more helpless than an unborn child or a sick person in a vegetative or terminal state?"

Benedict also stressed the importance of educating Catholics about their faith, and their social obligations, particularly with regard to the right to vote, noting that "on certain occasions, pastors should remind all citizens of the right, which is also an obligation, to freely use the vote itself for the the promotion of the common good."

The pope's words are likely to be read as an affirmation of Brazilian bishops and other religious leaders who have raised their voices in recent weeks against the ruling Labor Party and its frontrunner presidential candidate, Dilma Rousseff. Rousseff and the Labor Party have publicly endorsed the decriminalization of abortion in Brazil, but during the election Rousseff has backpedaled from her previous stance. She now says that she is "personally against" abortion and even calls it an act of "violence" against women. She has signed a public statement stating her personal opposition to decriminalizing abortion, but has refused to say that she will veto pro-abortion legislation.

The vocal and very explicit opposition of some bishops in the Brazilian episcopate such as Luiz Gonzaga Bergonzini of the diocese of Guarulhos, has been denounced by other Catholic bishops, one of whom accused Gonzaga Bergonzini of violating campaign laws.

His letter encouraging people to vote against the Labor Party was removed by the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops from its website during the campaign. The pope's words are likely to bolster such prelates in their conflict with their more timid colleagues.

Thanks to the zealous efforts of Rosary captains around the nation, thousands of faithful Catholics armed with their rosaries and banners trooped to the public square to pray for America's conversion and heed the message of Our Lady of Fatima.

The response to America Needs Fatima's 2010 campaign is nothing short of outstanding!

Not only did America Needs Fatima successfully reach this year's goal of 5,000 rallies, it far exceeded expectations and almost hit the 6000 mark (5, 963 to be exact.) topping last year's 4, 337 rallies. Once again, throngs of Catholic faithful proudly displayed their Faith on their chests as they publicly recited the Rosary for all to see.

Initial reports and reactions

In Buffalo, NY, about 40 sisters gathered on a sunny Saturday afternoon outside the Felician Motherhouse on Doat Street to pray for the nation's leaders as they tackle the myriad dilemmas facing the country. Sister Henriella Kakol explains, "America needs Fatima to make atonement and reparation. We come to pray the Rosary, to heed Mary's call, to give praise to God for all those that don't, and seek his pardon and our conversion." 1

The Rev. James Grady, pastor of St. Landry Catholic Church, led about 90 of the faithful Saturday in reciting the Rosary at noon on the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square in Opelousas, LA. First-time rally attendee, Virval Bradley, comments, "I just felt a calling to be here. I belong to a Rosary group and my entire Rosary group is here. I just felt like I needed to be here." 2

In Leesburg, VA, Rosary captains Stan and Mary Theriault organized an impressive gathering of 300-400 people at the Loudon Country Courthouse grounds. Local police helped coordinate the event by rerouting traffic and blocking off certain areas of downtown Leesburg. After Mass at the local Catholic Church, participants walked much like in a procession to the rally grounds. The event was capped by an offering of 200 roses at the feet of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima brought to the venue by ANF members.

Coral Gables, FL local ANF supporter Sergio de Paz reports, "For the last four years, Our Lady has been blessing Miami with an increase in Public Rosary Rallies as well as a much greater number of participants, with greater exposure… Exuberant young parents with their children, prayed for America and the future of their children. Our Lady could not have picked a better group, they all went home full of graces and hope."

Fond Du Lac, WI's first Our Lady of Fatima Public Square Rosary Rally drew a crowd of about 100 participants. They offered their prayers "to beg God to save America from today's immorality and secularism," as

In an increasingly secularized atmosphere that pushes religious expression out of the public square, one could only imagine the effects these Rosary rallies have on the average passerby or onlooker and even the participants themselves. More importantly, one can never underestimate the inner workings of grace engendered by these acts.

A moving example is that of one woman (Kathy Worboys of Honeoye Falls, NY) who chanced upon a magazine article in her parish church regarding public Rosary rallies, a subject that's quite new to her. Looking more closely at the article the following week, she noticed a picture of a banner accompanying the article that said, "As human efforts fail to solve America's key problems, we turn to God, through His Holy Mother, asking His urgent help." Those words captivated and inspired her. She resolved to become a Rosary captain and organize a Rosary rally herself. 4

A case of a collapsed disc caused by a speed bump didn't slow down or dampen the spirit of one ANF volunteer (Mary Ellen Piel of Kansas). In spite of the mishap, she successfully recruited a friend to become a Rosary captain while talking over the phone in her hospital bed!

And talk about determination. A daughter's due date (which would be on October 16, 2010) of one new Rosary captain didn't faze his resolve to proceed with the rally. He plans to hold the rally at the hospital instead should that happen.

Touching God to act through prayer

St Alphonsus once said, "I never feel more confident of my salvation than when I pray." If this is true on the individual level, how much more effective would it be on a collective level? Isn't it true that we gain more indulgences when we pray the Rosary in a family group or a religious community?

Behold America's ills are before us: abortion, drug abuse, divorce and the breakdown of the family, pornography, blasphemies, increased crime, etc. Now the homosexual agenda pull all the stops to promote and legalize homosexual marriage! Where will this continuing moral decline lead America?

Aren't these enough reasons for Americans to elevate their voices in unison to the Throne of God so that more souls would convert and amend their lives?

Now more than ever, we need a Public Rosary Crusade to move God to save our nation!

The Rosary is the great weapon of the Twenty-First Century as in centuries past

There are many benefits that could be gained by praying the Rosary and these are amply covered and expounded in many pious books. But much closer to home, Sister Lucy had this to say in a 1957 interview she gave to Father Augustín Fuentes, postulator of the cause of beatification for the seers of Fatima, Francisco and Jacinta at that time. She said, "The last means that God will give to the world for its salvation are the Holy Rosary and My Immaculate Heart… Father, with the new efficacy Our Lady has given to the Rosary, there is no problem in the life of anyone which cannot be solved by frequently praying the Rosary." 5

Support from the hierarchy

Since their inception, these rallies have found support from both bishops and clergy alike.

This year, Guam's archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron, added his stamp of approval as he addressed his pastors and rectors in a letter of Wednesday, October 6.

"In solidarity with AMERICA NEEDS FATIMA, I request that on Saturday, October 16, 2010 … the Rosary be prayed at 12 noon in your parish." Archbishop Anthony explained that AMERICA NEEDS FATIMA's goal is to "win the heart and soul of America for Mary by spreading Our Lady's Fatima message and promoting devotion to Her Immaculate Heart."

Monthly Rosary Rallies – the next step?

After the 2010 Public Square Rosary Crusade on Saturday, some captains have decided that the rallies need to be done more frequently. One example is Rally Captain, Barbara Renner from Littlestown, PA. She had a small rally on the 16th, but has already planned another for November 13th.

America Needs Fatima hopes and prays that all those captains who are inspired by Our Lady to do monthly rallies, will actually be able to carry out this important work, so more acts of public reparation and prayer

could be offered to God in face of an ever increasing sinful and pagan culture corroding today's society.

It is to heed and console Our Lady who told Sister Lucia at Fatima on the apparition of October 13, 1917 that, "'Let them offend Our Lord no more, for He is already much offended."

2011 Public Square Rosary Crusade

Some are already asking about the 2011 Public Square Rosary Crusade on Saturday.

Yes, by the grace and guidance of Our Lady, we will hold next year's Rosary crusade on Saturday, October 15, at noon local time. Our goal is 7,000 rallies, 1,037 more than this year.

Is this too big of a step forward?

Perhaps. But we do not hope in our own abilities to reach the goal of 7,000 rallies. We only look to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, for inspiration, courage and dedication to accomplish this lofty mission. She has brought us all this way. She will bring us to the successful accomplishment of the 2011 Rosary Crusade.

Ed Graveline, Rally Captain from Las Vegas, said it so well:

"All in all, it was a wonderful day to pray a public Rosary, so that all will know that it will be through the Immaculate Heart of Mary that the victory will come."

That is similar to the message that Our Lady gave the world on September 13, 1917, when She said:

"In October, I will perform a miracle so that all may believe."

And you can be part of that host of Rally Captains who echo faith in the Fatima message, so that America and the world will indeed be able to see and believe in the saving message of Our Lady. While there is still time!

You can already sign up to be a Rally Captain in 2011 by filling out the advance registration form on the website of America Needs Fatima at:

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

"We must know where mediocrity of spirit comes from. The first is the worst: it’s a scattered mind, a life which is too active. Nothing can cling to it. It’s like the seed of the Gospel falling on the open road. The remedy is to bring the mind back to natural reflection by some reading or serious meditations which strike it and help it to be focused. In general, it’s better to choose a great truth than a pious feeling. The work of truth is to refocus our attention, reflection, and finally, devotion.

"The second source of mediocrity of spirit is mental boredom toward what is serious and positive. This illness can only be healed by openness to divine love, since it is based on discouragement.

"The third source is laziness of the mind which fears to consider the truth. The fourth source is when we counteract the grace, the attraction of the moment. The mind becomes closed and foolish. We must follow the need and light of the moment."

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

While we prayed outside the Civic Center in Oklahoma City, OK, on October 21, , a group called the Church of the IV Crowned Princes performed a Satanic ritual inside the Civic Center, a type of exorcism, with the expressed intent to poke fun at the Catholic Church.

So far as we know, America Needs Fatima is the only Catholic group that protested and prayed against the Satanic ritual.

James Hale, the leader of the Satanic sect, said his group is doing the Satanic ritual to try to bring Satanism into the mainstream.

"We just decided that being right here in the middle of the Bible Belt, it wasn't a good idea to keep the secrecy you see in the traditional Satanist churches. Because secrecy breeds fear. And we're not looking to scare anyone."

Francis Slobodnik, who will lead the America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally against the Satanic ritual said: “Satan is the eternal enemy of God. This Satanic ritual is the worst thing that could happen to Oklahoma City. It means a new step in the process of accepting evil and Satan in America. Will God bless us if we accept Satanism?”

“That’s why we feel obligated to come out here and show our prayerful opposition,” said Slobodnik. “More importantly, we’re here to say the Virgin Mary is She who crushed the head of Satan.”

There’s still time to send a message of protest against this Satanic ritual to the Mayor of Oklahoma City, Mr. Cornett.

A copy of your protest message will be automatically sent to the City Manager, Mr. Jim Couch.

As Catholics, we loath Satan and Satanism, because we know that Satan always does as much harm to human beings as he can at every moment.

But more than fear of Satan, we ought to fear sin. One venial sin can do us more harm than all of hell together.

Moreover, we can defend ourselves, from both the ordinary and the extraordinary actions of the devil by prayer, Confession and the other Sacraments and sacramentals, such as blessed medals and holy water.

And we must resort especially to our Guardian Angel and to the three glorious Archangels, Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael.

To Saint Joseph, Patriarch of the Sacred Family, to whom God refuses nothing.

But, above all, we must have a sincere and elevated devotion to the Queen of the Angels, Terror of the Demons.

An effective fight against demonic actions is ineffective without special aid and protection from the Most Holy Virgin. By Her dignity of Mother of the Redeemer, her degree of unity with God, by her active participation in the Passion of the Savior, as a true Co-Redeemer and Mediatrix of all graces, She is our decisive support against the cursed Angels which revolted against their Creator.

The great apostle of the Marian devotion, Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort, in his celebrated book “A Treatise on the True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin,” explains the unique role of Mary in the fight against Satan:

“God has established only one enmity - but it is an irreconcilable one - which will last and even go on increasing to the end of time. That enmity is between Mary, his worthy Mother, and the devil, between the children and the servants of the Blessed Virgin and the children and followers of Lucifer. “Thus the most fearful enemy that God has set up against the devil is Mary, his holy Mother. “

Monday, October 25, 2010

Just a note to let you know that the rosary I led here in Leawood, Kansas on October 13 had at least 550 in attendance.

There were school children, parents and teachers to whom I passed out Our Lady of Fatima novena prayers cards.

Before the rosary I gave a talk in which I told the story of the 6th apparition and the Miracle of the Sun. Several parents told me they had been unaware of this part of the Fatima story, so I am happy they also learned that day.

We borrowed a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima for the rosary which we adorned with blue satin and chiffon and beautiful white flowers.

The school's music teacher played "Immaculate Mary" as everyone gathered together, and after the rosary he accompanied as we sang "Gentle Woman". Our Lady's presence was certainly felt by everyone that day!

I hadn't said the rosary for perhaps 50 years. I began last week to say it on the way to work each day. I pray for my family and to be a good husband, good father and good provider. I don't believe I've been good at those roles for ten years. We'll see what develops!

These are pictures of the rosary rally in Villa Caparra, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico (St. Joseph’s Parish). This is on Highway 2, which has lots of traffic.

We had a great reception, attended by between 100 120 people.

The pastor supported us greatly, and spoke publicly about the importance of the Fatima message.

The day was beautiful, with blue skies and white clouds, and a tropical breeze.

For us it was a great honor to have had the privilege of participating and organizing this event.

The statue of the Blessed Virgin, which was purchased for the event, and the rosary beads that were distributed to the public, were blessed at the rally. Next year it will be easier, because the experience will help us improve.

by Saint Louis de Montfort

St. Augustine assures us that there is no spiritual exercise more fruitful or more useful than the frequent reflection on the sufferings of our Lord. Blessed Albert the Great, who had St. Thomas Aquinas as his student, learned in a revelation that by simply thinking of or meditating on the passion of Jesus Christ, a Christian gains more merit than if he had fasted on bread and water every Friday for a year, or had beaten himself with the discipline once a week til blood flowed, or had recited the whole Book of Psalms every day. If this is so, then how great must be the merit we can gain from the Rosary, which commemorates the whole life and passion of our Lord?

Our Lady one day revealed to Blessed Alan de la Roche that, after the holy sacrifice of the Mass, which is the first and most living memorial of our Lord's passion, there was indeed no more excellent devotion or one of greater merit than that of the Rosary, which is like a second memorial and representation of the life and passion of Jesus Christ.

Fr. Dorland relates that in 1481 our Lady appeared to the Venerable Dominic, a Carthusian devoted to the holy Rosary, who lived at Treves, and said to him:

"Whenever one of the faithful, in a state of grace, says the Rosary while meditating on the mysteries of the life and passion of Christ, he obtains full and entire remission of all his sins."

She also said to Blessed Alan, "I want you to know that, although there are numerous indulgences already attached to the recitation of my Rosary, I shall add many more to every five decades for those, who free from serious sin, say them with devotion, on their knees. And whosoever shall persevere in the devotion of the holy Rosary, with its prayers and meditations, shall be rewarded for it; I shall obtain for him full remission of the penalty and the guilt of all his sins at the end of his life.

"And let this not seem incredible to you; it is easy for me because I am the Mother of the King of heaven, and he calls me full of grace. And being filled with grace, I am able to dispense it freely to my dear children."

St. Dominic was so convinced of the efficacy of the Rosary and its great value, that when he heard confessions, he hardly ever gave any other penance, as we have seen in the story I told you of the lady in Rome to whom he gave only a single Rosary.

St. Dominic was a great saint and other confessors also ought to walk in his footsteps by asking their penitents to say the Rosary with meditation on the sacred mysteries, rather than giving them other penances which are less meritorious and less pleasing to God, less likely to help them avoid sin. Moreover, while saying the Rosary, people gain numerous indulgences which are not attached to many other devotions.

As Abbot Blosius says, "The Rosary, with meditation on the life and passion of Christ, is certainly most pleasing to our Lord and his blessed Mother and is a very successful means of obtaining all graces; we can say it for ourselves as well as for those who have been recommended to our prayers and for the whole Church. Let us turn, then, to the holy Rosary in all our needs, and we shall infallibly obtain the graces we ask for from God to attain our salvation.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

After having explained and condemned false devotions to the Blessed Virgin we shall now briefly describe what true devotion is.

It is:

interior

trustful

holy

constant

disinterested

First, true devotion to our Lady is interior, that is, it comes from within the mind and the heart and follows from the esteem in which we hold her, the high regard we have for her greatness, and the love we bear her.

Second, it is trustful, that is to say, it fills us with confidence in the Blessed Virgin, the confidence that a child has for its loving Mother. It prompts us to go to her in every need of body and soul with great simplicity, trust and affection. We implore our Mother's help always, everywhere, and for everything. We pray to her to be enlightened in our doubts, to be put back on the right path when we go astray, to be protected when we are tempted, to be strengthened when we are weakening, to be lifted up when we fall into sin, to be encouraged when we are losing heart, to be rid of our scruples, to be consoled in the trials, crosses and disappointments of life. Finally, in all our afflictions of body and soul, we naturally turn to Mary for help, with never a fear of importuning her or displeasing our Lord.

Fourth, true devotion to our Lady is constant. It strengthens us in our desire to do good and prevents us from giving up our devotional practices too easily. It gives us the courage to oppose the fashions and maxims of the world, the vexations and unruly inclinations of the flesh and the temptations of the devil. Thus a person truly devoted to our Blessed Lady is not changeable, fretful, scrupulous or timid. We do not say however that such a person never sins or that his sensible feelings of devotion never change. When he has fallen, he stretches out his hand to his Blessed Mother and rises again. If he loses all taste and feeling for devotion, he is not at all upset because a good and faithful servant of Mary is guided in his life by faith in Jesus and Mary, and not by feelings.

Fifth, true devotion to Mary is disinterested. It inspires us to seek God alone in his Blessed Mother and not ourselves. The true subject of Mary does not serve his illustrious Queen for selfish gain. He does not serve her for temporal or eternal well-being but simply and solely because she has the right to be served and God alone in her. He loves her not so much because she is good to him or because he expects something from her, but simply because she is lovable. That is why he loves and serves her just as faithfully in weariness and dryness of soul as in sweet and sensible fervor. He loves her as much on Calvary as at Cana. How pleasing and precious in the sight of God and his holy Mother must these servants of Mary be, who serve her without any self-seeking. How rare they are nowadays! It is to increase their number that I have taken up my pen to write down what I have been teaching with success both publicly and in private in my missions for many years.

I have already said many things about the Blessed Virgin and, as I am trying to fashion a true servant of Mary and a true disciple of Jesus, I have still a great deal to say, although through ignorance, inability, and lack of time, I shall leave infinitely more unsaid.

But my labor will be well rewarded if this little book falls into the hands of a noble soul, a child of God and of Mary, born not of blood nor the will of the flesh nor of the will of man. My time will be well spent if, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, after having read this book he is convinced of the supreme value of the solid devotion to Mary I am about to describe. If I thought that my guilty blood could help the reader to accept in his heart the truths that I set down in honor of my dear Mother and Queen, I, her most unworthy child and slave, would use it instead of ink to write these words. I would hope to find faithful souls who, by their perseverance in the devotion I teach, will repay her for the loss she has suffered through my ingratitude and infidelity.

I feel more than ever inspired to believe and expect the complete fulfillment of the desire that is deeply engraved on my heart and what I have prayed to God for over many years, namely, that in the near or distant future the Blessed Virgin will have more children, servants and slaves of love than ever before, and that through them Jesus, my dear Lord, will reign more than ever in the hearts of men.

I clearly foresee that raging beasts will come in fury to tear to pieces with their diabolical teeth this little book and the one the Holy Spirit made use of to write it, or they will cause it at least to lie hidden in the darkness and silence of a chest and so prevent it from seeing the light of day. They will even attack and persecute those who read it and put into practice what it contains. But no matter! So much the better! It even gives me encouragement to hope for great success at the prospect of a mighty legion of brave and valiant soldiers of Jesus and Mary, both men and women, who will fight the devil, the world, and corrupt nature in the perilous times that are sure to come.

Our Lady: I wish to tell you that I want a chapel built here in my honor. I am the Lady of the Rosary. Continue to pray the Rosary everyday. The war is going to end, and the soldiers will soon return to their homes.

Lucia: I have many things to ask you: if you would cure some sick persons, and if you would convert some sinners...

Our Lady: Some yes, others no. They must amend their lives and ask forgiveness for their sins.

"Becoming sadder, she added, 'Let them offend Our Lord no more, for He is already much offended.'

Then, opening her hands, Our Lady shone the light issuing from them onto the sun, and as she rose, her own radiance continued to be cast onto the sun."

At that moment, Lucia cried, "Look at the sun!"

Once Our Lady had disappeared in the expanse of the firmament, three scenes followed in succession, symbolizing first the joyful mysteries of the Rosary, then the sorrowful mysteries, and, finally, the glorious mysteries. Lucia alone saw the three scenes; Francisco and Jacinta saw only the first.

The first scene: Saint Joseph appeared beside the sun with the Child Jesus and Our Lady of the Rosary. It was the Holy Family. The Virgin was dressed in white with a blue mantle. Saint Joseph was also dressed in white, and the Child Jesus in light red. Saint Joseph blessed the crowd, making the Sign of the Cross three times. The Child Jesus did the same.

The second scene: This was followed by the vision of Our Lady of Sorrows, without the sword in her breast, and of Our Lord overwhelmed with sorrow on the way to Calvary.

Our Lord made the Sign of the Cross to bless the people.

Lucia could only see the upper part of Our Lord's body.

The third scene: Finally, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, crowned queen of heaven and earth, appeared in a glorious vision with the Child Jesus in her bosom.

While these scenes took place, the great throng of about seventy thousand spectators witnessed the miracle of the sun.

It had rained all during the apparition. At the end of the conversation between Our Lady and Lucia – when the Blessed Virgin rose and Lucia shouted, "Look at the sun!" – the clouds opened up, revealing the sun as an immense silver disk. It shone with an intensity never before seen, but was not blinding. This lasted only an instant. Then the immense ball began to "dance". The sun began to spin rapidly like a gigantic circle of fire. Then it stopped momentarily, only to begin spinning vertiginously again. Its rim became scarlet; whirling, it scattered red flames across the sky. Their light was reflected on the ground, on the trees, on the bushes, and on the very faces and clothing of the people, which took on brilliant hues and changing colors.

After performing this bizarre pattern three times, the globe of fire seemed to tremble, shake, and then plunge in a zigzag toward the terrified crowd.

All this lasted about ten minutes. Finally, the sun zigzagged back to its original place and once again became still and brilliant, shining with its everyday brightness. The cycle of the apparitions had ended.

Many people noticed that their clothes, soaking wet from the rain, had suddenly dried.

The miracle of the sun was also seen by numerous witnesses up to twenty-five miles away from the place of the apparition.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

On Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, there were 5,963 Rosary Rallies taking place across the U.S.

The photo accompanying this article shows one such Rosary Rally in front of the Family Planning Associates Abortion center on Miramar Road in San Diego.

About 80 people prayed 3 rosaries and sang hymns for the protection of the unborn, while sidewalk counselors were speaking to the women coming in.

During the time everyone was praying after the procession, a young couple scheduled for an abortion was spoken to by David and Luis, and were convinced to go to Culture of Life Family Services (COLFS, where they saw an ultra-sound and chose life for their baby.

The woman told the staff at COLFS that seeing all the people praying on the sidewalk was taken as a sign, and together with the sidewalk counseling and seeing her baby at COLFS, a life was saved.

God hears our prayers, and hearts are touched just by the presence of people praying. Please continue to join us every Saturday morning in front of FPA and the other abortion centers around San Diego.

For more information, and to see a list of abortion centers and a schedule of times in the calendar section for Helpers of God’s Precious Infants San Diego, Click Here.

On a cold morning, 195 years ago, General Andrew Jackson looked over his 2,000 men about to march against one of the toughest professional armies of the world: a British army of 8,000 battle-hardened soldiers.

General Jackson called on the citizens of New Orleans to pray for a victory - a real miracle. Those citizens who responded to his plea, led by the Ursuline Sisters, prayed to Our Lady. She gave a victory to General Jackson and independence to the United States of America.

On October 16, 2010, in Jackson Square, a brave group of citizens prayed again for the United States of America. A Public Square Rosary Rally was held at the same spot General Andrew Jackson assembled his small army to take the counter-offensive against the invader.

Under the Jackson monument, New Orleans Catholics once again raised their voices in prayer to the Mother of God: Hail Mary, full of grace… In the background the landmark St. Louis Cathedral – dedicated to the holy Crusader-King St. Louis IX of France – stood as a witness to this filial plea to Heaven to help our homeland in these difficult days.

Hundreds of visitors to New Orleans looked on in respectful awe at this incredible display of simple courage and faith: an aspect of the Crescent City never displayed in the travel brochures. Yes, an active faith that believes in the power of prayer and is ready to give public testimony of its power.

There were nearly 6,000 other Public Square Rosary Rallies last Saturday across the country. You can already see some of them in the Photo Gallery at www.ANF.org

In The Secret of the Rosary, Saint Louis de Montfort said: “Public prayer is far more powerful than private prayer to appease the anger of God and call down His Mercy, and Holy Mother Church, guided by the Holy Ghost, has always advocated public prayer in times of public tragedy and suffering.”

Friday, October 22, 2010

by Kathleen Gilbert

ST. PAUL, Minnesota, October 20, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Catholic Archbishop of St. Paul-Minneapolis has exhorted Catholics to stick close to Church teaching as the archdiocese catches flak for its aggressive campaign to reaffirm the Catholic Church's teaching on marriage.

The archdiocese sent out over 400,000 DVDs to area Catholics last month explaining the Catholic Church's position and rationale on same-sex "marriage" - a move decried by some Catholics as too "political." Media have been covering instances where the DVDs have been met with outrage or mockery, including the reaction of one artisan, an artist-in-residence at the Basilica of Saint Mary, who has collected about 1,300 DVDs to cut and "recycle" into art.

Archbishop John Nienstedt, however, refuses to back out of the debate.

"We're part and parcel of the culture, so it's important for us to be involved with those discussions and have our say," Nienstedt told the Associated Press Monday. He counseled Catholics to "either be hot or cold" but not lukewarm on their loyalty to the faith.

"I believe that it's important that if you're going to be Catholic, that you have to be 100 percent Catholic," Nienstedt told the Associated Press on Monday. "That you stand by the church, you believe what the church believes and you pass that on to your sons and daughters and your grandsons and granddaughters."

Nienstedt also caused a stir last month for denying Communion to a group, including nuns and a priest, who wore rainbow sashes signifying their opposition to the Church's teaching on homosexuality. The protesters, who said the archbishop "made it political" by denying the sacrament, were later given Communion by a priest of the diocese.

In the DVDs, Archbishop Nienstedt issues a personal message warning Catholics against current efforts "to change the definition of marriage from being an institution of one man and one woman for the benefit of children and society, to an institution without gender roles, where the desires of individual adults are the primary focus."

Nienstedt compares the potential negative effects of same-sex "marriage" to the chaos inflicted by no-fault divorce laws 40 years ago, and warned that instituting same-sex "marriage" would invariably lead to children in public schools being taught that such "marriage" is equivalent to true marriage.

The archbishop also notes that, "The Church's teaching on marriage is not a condemnation of homosexual persons as human beings, it is simply a reflection, not only of the Scriptures, but of the unique procreative nature of the male and female body." He ends his message with a call for a voter referendum to preserve marriage in the state constitution.

The DVDs also include a documentary produced by the Knights of Columbus explaining further the Church's position on same-sex "marriage," as well as the threat to both society and Christian churches posed by such a change.

A local group of lay Catholics have launched a website to help educate Catholic voters on the candidates' position on the issue. For more information, visit www.MinnesotaCatholicVote.org

The marriage issue is a central issue for the state's upcoming election to fill the seat of outgoing Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty: Democrat candidate Mark Dayton and Independent Tom Horner's support for same-sex "marriage" stands in contrast to Republican candidate Tom Emmer's position in favor of traditional marriage.

In 1317, a priest in Viversel, Belgium, was asked to take the Blessed Sacrament to a man in the village who was ill. The priest entered the house with the Consecrated Host in a Ciborium. He put the Ciborium on a blessed table, and then went over to speak to some members of the patient's family.

Meanwhile, a relative who was in the state of mortal sin, saw the Ciborium and moved by curiosity, removed the cover and held the consecrated Host. The Host began to bleed.

Startled, he threw the Host back into the holy vessel and hurried away.

When the priest went to give Holy Communion to the sick man, he found the Ciborium uncovered and the Host stained with blood.

Uncertain on how to proceed, the priest looked for his bishop and told him of the event. The bishop realized that it was a supernatural manifestation of the Eucharist and for that reason, told him to take the Host to the Church of the Cistercian nuns in Herkenrode.

The Cistercian convent of Herkenrode is near Liege, Belgium, and was founded in the 12th century. Because of the venerable reputation of the religious community, the bishop chose that location. He convinced it was the most suitable place to keep the miraculous Host.

The priest went to the Convent and as soon he arrived, described what had happened to the nuns. Then, together they entered the church and approached the altar.

When the priest opened the tabernacle, he had a vision of Christ crowned with thorns. The vision was also seen by the people. Our Lord seemed to give a special sign that He wished the Host to remain there.

Because of this vision and the presence of the Miraculous Host, Herkenrode became one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in Belgium.

The Sacred Host of Herkenrode remained in the Church until 1796, when the when the nuns were expelled from the convent by the French Revolution.

In that terrible crisis, the Host was entrusted to the care of different families, and was finally hidden in a metal box embedded in the kitchen wall. In 1804, the Host was removed from its hiding place and carried in solemn procession to the Cathedral of St. Quentin in Hasselt.

This church has beautiful Gothic architecture and was built in the fourteenth century. Its walls are decorated with impressive sixteenth and seventeenth century paintings, which illustrate the events in the story of the miracle.

But far more important than the building and the beauty of the Cathedral of Hasselt is the Reliquary with the Sacred Host of the remarkable Eucharistic miracle that occurred in 1317, which is perfectly preserved without any chemical ingredient. The Reliquary was placed on a special altar to receive the veneration of the faithful.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

As we made our way to the main square in front of the Basilica of Fatima on October 13, we couldn’t help but reflect upon the gravity and symbolism of our mission: to deliver nearly 6,000 red roses and 2,000 white roses, each representing a Rosary Rally Captain and Rally Sponsor respectively. All the prayers and hard work of participants in America Needs Fatima”s Public Square Rosary Rally campaign were to be presented symbolically to Our Lady where she appeared and performed the Miracle of the Sun 93 years ago. In the midst of such a worldwide rejection of the Faith, the Ten Commandments, the breakup of the family, and so many other evils, 5963 faithful Catholics organized rallies of devotees to Our Lady who are willing to say “YES!” to Our Lady’s requests of prayer and penance at Fatima.

A group of young Portuguese graciously agreed to help us arrange the 8,000 roses on three large wooden grates. With this group of about a dozen, plus the four of us, it took a half an hour to arrange everything in front of the shrine.

After taking a group picture, we took the roses and left them at the Chapel of Apparitions in front of the main Basilica, the exact spot where Our Lady appeared. We then went up to the Basilica, where Blessed Francisco and Jacinta are buried, and prayed a rosary for all the Rosary Rally Captains and for the preparations for next year’s rallies.

Tonight, October 21, members of America Needs Fatima will gather in front of the Civic Center in Oklahoma City, OK, to say the Rosary, sing hymns, and pray to Saint Michael the Archangel to counter the first Satanic ritual to take place in a publicly owned building in the USA.

COVER OF THE PRAYER PROGRAM THAT WILL BE USED FOR THE ANTI SATANTIC ROSARY RALLY IN OKLAHOMA CITY TONIGHT

While we pray outside the Civic Center, a group called the Church of the IV Crowned Princes will perform a Satanic ritual inside the Civic Center, a type of exorcism, with the expressed intent to poke fun at the Catholic Church.

So far as we know, America Needs Fatima is the only Catholic group protesting and praying against the Satanic ritual.

James Hale, the leader of the Satanic sect, said his group is doing the Satanic ritual to try to bring Satanism into the mainstream.

"We just decided that being right here in the middle of the Bible Belt, it wasn't a good idea to keep the secrecy you see in the traditional Satanist churches. Because secrecy breeds fear. And we're not looking to scare anyone."

Francis Slobodnik, who will lead the America Needs Fatima Rosary Rally against the Satanic ritual said: “Satan is the eternal enemy of God. This Satanic ritual is the worst thing that could happen to Oklahoma City. It means a new step in the process of accepting evil and Satan in America. Will God bless us if we accept Satanism?”

“That’s why we feel obligated to come out here and show our prayerful opposition,” said Slobodnik. “More importantly, we’re here to say the Virgin Mary is She who crushed the head of Satan.”

There’s still time to send a message of protest against this Satanic ritual to the Mayor of Oklahoma City, Mr. Cornett.

A copy of your protest message will be automatically sent to the City Manager, Mr. Jim Couch.

As Catholics, we loath Satan and Satanism, because we know that Satan always does as much harm to human beings as he can at every moment.

But more than fear of Satan, we ought to fear sin. One venial sin can do us more harm than all of hell together.

Moreover, we can defend ourselves, from both the ordinary and the extraordinary actions of the devil by prayer, Confession and the other Sacraments and sacramentals, such as blessed medals and holy water.

And we must resort especially to our Guardian Angel and to the three glorious Archangels, Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael.

To Saint Joseph, Patriarch of the Sacred Family, to whom God refuses nothing.

But, above all, we must have a sincere and elevated devotion to the Queen of the Angels, Terror of the Demons.

An effective fight against demonic actions is ineffective without special aid and protection from the Most Holy Virgin. By Her dignity of Mother of the Redeemer, her degree of unity with God, by her active participation in the Passion of the Savior, as a true Co-Redeemer and Mediatrix of all graces, She is our decisive support against the cursed Angels which revolted against their Creator.

The great apostle of the Marian devotion, Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort, in his celebrated book “A Treatise on the True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin,” explains the unique role of Mary in the fight against Satan:

“God has established only one enmity - but it is an irreconcilable one - which will last and even go on increasing to the end of time. That enmity is between Mary, his worthy Mother, and the devil, between the children and the servants of the Blessed Virgin and the children and followers of Lucifer. “Thus the most fearful enemy that God has set up against the devil is Mary, his holy Mother. “

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The great apostle of the Marian devotion, Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort, in his celebrated book “A Treatise on the True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin”, synthesizes in an admirable manner, the unique role of Mary in the fight against Satan:

“Mary must be terrible to the devil and his crew, as an army in battle array, principally in these latter times, because the devil, knowing that he has but little time, and now less than ever, to destroy souls, will every day redouble his efforts and his combats.”

“He will presently raise up new persecutions, and will put terrible snares before the faithful servants and true children of Mary, whom it gives him more trouble to surmount than it does to conquer others.”

“It is principally of these last and cruel persecutions of the devil, which shall go on increasing daily till the reign of Antichrist, that we ought to understand that first and celebrated prediction and curse of God, pronounced in the terrestrial Paradise against the serpent. It is to our purpose to explain this here, for the glory of the most holy Virgin, for the salvation of her children, and for the confusion of the devil.”

“I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed; she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel” (Gn 3, 15).

“God has never made or formed but one enmity; but it is an irreconcilable one, which shall endure and develop even to the end. It is between Mary, His worthy Mother, and the devil - between the children and the servants of the Blessed Virgin and the children and instruments of Lucifer. The most terrible of the enemies which God has set up against the devil is His Holy Mother, Mary.”

On October 16, over 150,000 Catholics gathered in 5,963 public places all over the country to hold Public Square Rosary Rallies to pray for our nation in this time of uncertainty and moral decadence.

These events invite reflection, for the experience is truly unique. This display of faith is not just the praying of a rosary but the affirmation of common cause in the public square. We sense we are not alone. All across the nation, there are 5,963 places that are experiencing the same thing. Each person is doing his part. All have a certain anxiety of appearing in public.

Although we do not know one another, we are one. We are part of the same effort, the same crusade. What unites us? It is not just a pious practice or the spiritual consolation of prayer together. What makes us so boldly venture outside the church doors and into the public square is a concern for our nation. We see the triumph of sin, the decay of morals, and the destruction of the family. We feel we have to do something since human solutions are not working. Thus, we call upon God and His Blessed Mother. We go out into the streets to make public our petitions. We want others to see our affliction and join us all over our great country.

Participants of the 2010 Public Square Rosary Rally on 5th Avenue in New York City in front of Rockefeller Center.

Moreover, this public act asks of us the great sacrifice of overcoming our human respect. We are asked to bear the great possible witness by choosing the most conspicuous place around: the public square. It is all well and good to pray hidden at home or church. It is quite another thing to do so in public in front of people who we do not know yet could ridicule us. It is even harder to be out in public in front of family, friends and acquaintances who might also ridicule us. But we make the effort to overcome our fears and proudly join ranks. However, what makes this easier to accomplish is the fact that we are doing this with 5,963 other groups around the country. We know some will be praying in the rain and wind. Others will enjoy perfect weather. Some will be massive rallies with hundreds in attendance. Most will be medium-sized rallies of 20-100 faithful. Perhaps even more touching are those difficult rallies with only two or three brave souls…or even one lone person. All are united in prayer and concern.

115 participants gathered for their Public Square Rosary in Tamarac, Florida. Not far away in Miami dozens of other Rallies were likewise taking place.

During these rallies, we become the central point of attention in the public square. People stop and read our banners. They see us praying and even kneeling on the pavement. They hear hymns to Our Lady echo down the streets. They ask what is going on. All activity is suspended in function of the rally. We so to speak occupy the public square for an hour and the sweet perfume of the event lingers on for some time afterward. In the minds of countless observers, a seed of Faith is planted.

One of 31 Rosary Rallies held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here participants gather in front of Red Rock Casino to pray for the conversion of America and the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Scores gathered at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, California to pray for America catching the attention of the public as they passed by and read the banner, heard the Rosary being prayed and hymns to Our Lady sung.

We are also united with others who have prayed before us. It fortifies us to think of those who have publicly prayed the rosary in history and unite ourselves to them as well. How many valiant souls have paraded in public in times of national afflictions? How many Catholic soldiers in modern times of persecution have walked into battle rosary in hand in France, Spain and Mexico?

We need only think of the massive public rosary crusade in 1946 in Austria which drove the mighty Soviet Army from Austrian soil. We are a continuation of these heroes who likewise prayed for their countries. We likewise hope for our Blessed Mother’s maternal aid.

Above all, we are part of the solution proposed by Our Lady at Fatima. She appeared publicly to ask men to amend their lives and pray the rosary. Indeed, the idea first surfaced in 2007 as a special project of the America Needs Fatima campaign to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima with 2,000 rallies.

Whether one or one thousand, we are never alone when praying the Rosary. But are united with the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the valiant souls who through the ages have beseeched God’s intercession. And as Our Lady promised at Fatima: “In the end, My Immaculate Heart will triumph.”

By appearing in public against all obstacles, we are like those 100,000 faithful Portuguese who did the same in 1917 and who witnessed that great miracle of the sun.

In 2010, there are 5,963 rallies that are like votive candles that light up the map of America. One can only reflect how magnificent it is to be with Our Lady in the public square! How honored we are to be part of this great crusade!

By John-Henry Westen

ROME, October 12, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Speaking at the Human Life International World Prayer Congress Saturday, Archbishop Raymond Burke received sustained applause when he noted that Catholic politicians who support abortion are required to repent publicly.

Speaking to pro-life leaders from 45 nations, the Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura (the highest Vatican court) also noted that those who recognize the scandal caused by such public, dissident Catholics assist the Church in repairing a serious breach, but are nevertheless often ridiculed for it.

Achibishop Burke stressed that “both bishops and the faithful” must be obedient to the Magisterium – which he described as the teaching of Christ as handed down through the successor of Peter and the bishops in union with him.

“When the shepherds of the flock are obedient to the Magisterium, entrusted to their exercise, then surely the members of the flock grow in obedience and proceed with Christ along the way of salvation,” he said. “If the shepherd is not obedient the flock easily gives way to confusion and error.”

Burke, who is also a member of the Congregation for Bishops added: “A most tragic example of the lack of obedience of faith, also on the part of certain Bishops, was the response of many to the Encyclical Letter Humanae vitae of Pope Paul VI, published on July 25, 1968. The confusion which resulted has led many Catholics into habits of sin in what pertains to the procreation and education of human life.”

Humanae Vitae reiterated age-old Christian teaching on the immorality of the use of artificial contraception. However, after its publication the encyclical was repudiated by many within the Catholic Church, including priests and bishops, who had believed that the Church would changes its views on contraception.

Turning to the issue of scandal within the Church, the archbishop said, “We find self-professed Catholics, for example, who sustain and support the right of a woman to procure the death of the infant in her womb, or the right of two persons of the same sex to the recognition which the State gives to a man and a woman who have entered into marriage. It is not possible to be a practicing Catholic and to conduct oneself publicly in this manner.”

To resounding applause Burke said, “When a person has publicly espoused and cooperated in gravely sinful acts, leading many into confusion and error about fundamental questions of respect for human life and the integrity of marriage and the family, his repentance of such actions must also be public.”

The Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura then voiced a concern that struck a deep chord with many of the Catholic pro-life activists present at the conference. “One of the ironies of the present situation is that the person who experiences scandal at the gravely sinful public actions of a fellow Catholic is accused of a lack of charity and of causing division within the unity of the Church,” he said. “One sees the hand of the Father of Lies at work in the disregard for the situation of scandal or in the ridicule and even censure of those who experience scandal.”

The Vatican prelate concluded the point stating:

Lying or failing to tell the truth, however, is never a sign of charity. A unity which is not founded on the truth of the moral law is not the unity of the Church. The Church’s unity is founded on speaking the truth with love. The person who experiences scandal at public actions of Catholics, which are gravely contrary to the moral law, not only does not destroy unity but invites the Church to repair what is clearly a serious breach in Her life. Were he not to experience scandal at the public support of attacks on human life and the family, his conscience would be uninformed or dulled about the most sacred realities.

We were so busy praying that we never took a snapshot, but our rosary rally was very beautiful in Ardmore PA.

Ann-Marie Altomare had about 70 of us gather outside, following the 12 noon Mass at St. Colman's.

We were right on busy Rt. 30, Lancaster Avenue, directly across from the Lower Merion township building.

Though a very blustery day, the banner held up against the wrought iron fence, supported by our Deacon Schaffer and Dave Altomare.

In attendance also were our pastor and associate, Fr. Sherlock and Fr. Herron. Many passing cars were able to witness the prayerful solidarity of our group.

We ask that Our beautiful Blessed Mother continue to cover and grace our towns and country with her maternal protection and loving gaze, especially against all errors that would profane Our Lord's holy will.

Daniele and her husband had three groups of youth that began walking from the church and spread off with their rally captains to three different locations carrying the banners as they prayed.

They ended up on a busy road and continued with prayer there. There were about 40 youth that participated. When they returned to the church, Daniele's husband played the movie, "Miracle of Fatima" since none of the kids had heard of Fatima (so sad).

I think that really helped them to get a better understanding of why they were out praying. They also had a fourth group in front of the abortion mill in the same town.

As for my husband and I and two more of our children, we were in the next city over at a very busy intersection near the freeway entrance with about 30 people. We split off into two corners.

Some guy came over an asked to take a picture of us. One of the new rally captains that we signed up said that she is hooked now on this cause! :)

As for my daughter that lives 3 hours away, she marched in a public area with her husband, and four little children, ages 5 to one.

She said they had to keep moving because that was the only way to keep the children attentive... lol. She said the kids loved it and although the one year old cannot talk, she had her rosary and would try to mimic the sounds of the people. As for the photos, Daniele took great shots, but I forgot to take my photos before everyone left; however, we have part of the group in a photo.

All in all, it was a very blessed day! God Bless you and hope to see you next year! We intend to start recruiting right now, though:)!

Here is a great story that happened at our Rosary Rally this Saturday. A young man maybe 18 to 21 years old pulled over and asked us to teach him how to say the Rosary.

He was Catholic and knew all of the prayers but did not know how to say the Rosary. So we taught him. He stayed there with us and said the entire Sorrowful mysteries with us. He left with a Rosary and a small booklet explaining it.

It was very inspiring to see that, especially in the youth.

It proved to me that every soul yearns for Christ--and the importance of being a witness for Christ.

At any rate, we decided to do this every 1st Saturday.

Hopefully it will grow and the world will be converted through the Rosary and Our Ladies powerful intercession. Praise God in the Highest! Praise His Holy name!"